Starting as a Defensive Midfielder at Real Madrid

After finishing their second Champions League group stage match against Auxerre, Real Madrid’s players slept in the next morning before boarding the flight back to Madrid.

Mourinho delivered a short, routine team meeting—just a few minutes of reminders—and then, to everyone’s surprise, announced a full day off.

This caught many of the squad off guard. The congested match schedule was still ongoing, and they were due to face Deportivo La Coruña away on the night of October 3rd.

But Mourinho had decided to gift them a day to rest or relax before regrouping for the next stage.

This kind of ”humane” decision once again softened the players’ perception of the so-called ”madman.”

But to Mourinho, it was simple.

As long as his players delivered the performance and result he demanded, he never hesitated to praise them—or reward them with time off.

Yes, the media always painted him as overly strict, controlling, even volatile.

Well, they weren’t entirely wrong. When the team failed to meet his expectations, he would indeed become stricter, perhaps more temperamental.

But his anger was never random—it was his method of sharpening his players.

Those who listened and responded would grow.

Those who didn’t? He’d stop investing time in them. Simple.

What people said about him outside the club wasn’t his concern. That was for players to handle, not him.

As the players clapped and trickled away toward their cars, Li Ang caught Mourinho’s glance and didn’t head to the parking lot.

Ten minutes later, he sat once more in the familiar office seat across from Mourinho, who handed him a coffee. This time, Li Ang no longer felt that nervousness he had two months ago.

”No training today,” Mourinho said. ”Go home and rest. You’ll start the next league match.”

Li Ang blinked, then quickly nodded in understanding.

According to what Karanka and Mourinho had told him before, he would remain a starter in the Champions League group stage, barring any surprises.

But in La Liga, he would gradually transition into a rotation and substitute role.

After all, Li Ang would be leaving on loan in January. The coaching staff needed to experiment with lineups that didn’t include him—to identify which tactical setups worked best without him in the starting XI.

If they waited until after he left to make changes, Real Madrid might struggle in the league trying to adapt.

In Europe, they needed to lock down first place in the group as soon as possible, so Mourinho was still relying on Li Ang to start and secure results.

Once he was gone, they’d switch to the same system they had been practicing in La Liga, or slot in Diarra as a direct replacement, hoping to replicate the tactical balance.

Two paths. Two preparations.

That way, Madrid could confidently loan Li Ang out without worrying about a drop-off.

From the way Mourinho phrased it now, it was clear: after the next league match and the two-week international break, Li Ang’s new identity in La Liga would be as a substitute.

Li Ang had fully prepared himself mentally.

More than anything, he felt grateful.

Mourinho had treated him with respect and given him genuine opportunity.

Five league starts? At Real Madrid? For a 19-year-old?

That was incredible.

Sure, his starts would decrease—but he’d still get minutes off the bench.

And in the Champions League, he’d get to play out the group stage.

The system points he would miss from domestic matches? He could make up for it in Europe.

After all, a UCL win earned double what a La Liga win did.

There was just one snag.

His system had a rule: If you didn’t start but were in the 18-man squad, a win only awarded base points. A draw gave half that, and a loss gave none.

No loopholes allowed. No racking up points while riding the bench.

The thought of all those ”lost” points made Li Ang sigh for just a moment.

”Have you decided where you’re going yet? Don’t tell me you’re thinking of staying in La Liga.

Because if you do, your ’former teammates’ sure won’t go easy on you. And neither will I.”

Mourinho grinned as he watched Li Ang space out slightly.

Li Ang returned to himself and smiled wryly.

”No, not Spain. Valencia, Sevilla, Villarreal—they all have holding mids.

I’m not going to Barcelona or Atleti either.”

”Hmm. Solid reasoning. Go on, tell me which leagues you’ve ruled out. Let’s see if your shortlist makes sense.”

”Premier League’s out. I can’t get a work permit right now. The ’exceptional talent’ clause is a hassle, and I don’t qualify.”

Mourinho nodded again.

Li Ang continued.

”Ligue 1’s got too much disparity. Top clubs are far above the rest.

And frankly, it’s the weakest of the top five leagues.

Plus, I still want to keep learning—and there aren’t many top-tier midfield maestros in France anymore.

So no to Ligue 1.”

Mourinho clapped once and gave Li Ang an approving smile.

”That leaves the big two. Germany or Italy?

I’ve already got a few good options lined up in both.”

Li Ang looked at him for a long moment… then shook his head.

”Boss, don’t tease me.

After the next Champions League match, I think I’ll know for sure.”

Through the rising steam from his coffee, his gaze was clear and focused.

And Mourinho, looking across at him, offered his most satisfied smile to date.

October 3rd, Real Madrid traveled to face Deportivo La Coruña.

Li Ang started again.

So far, the once-feared ”Super Depor” had drawn three and lost two from five matches, sitting second-to-last in the table.

A weak, relegation-zone side like this, just before the international break?

The Madrid squad was ready to end the grind of recent weeks with a goal fest.

And that’s exactly what happened.

By halftime, Cristiano Ronaldo had scored twice, and Higuaín added a third in stoppage time.

Just four minutes into the second half, Cristiano completed his hat trick with a stunning free-kick.

Then Di María and Benzema came off the bench and added goals of their own.

Madrid’s attackers were having the time of their lives.

The defense?

Bored.

Sergio Ramos, starved of overlapping chances, grumbled his way through the match.

But Li Ang?

Perfectly content.

Another win.

Another stack of system points.

The upcoming international break had little to do with him.

For the next two weeks, he would keep grinding, training harder than ever.

Waiting for Madrid’s third Champions League group match.

Waiting for the big club he wanted to scout up close.

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